OPEN POST

[grumpycatanthir]

I mean far be it from me to cause more
drama in this family full of
pretentious princes but I think I
could solve our cash flow
problem if you lot would STOP
KILLING MY BUSINESS PARTNERS.

- Morifinwë ‘Caranthir’ Carnistir, to his brothers, cousins, and assorted followers, the Silmarillion, on more than one occasion.

 

http://incorrecttolkienquotes.tumblr.com/post/141254726581/i-mean-far-be-it-from-me-to-cause-more-drama-in

 

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[canien]

There's something in the air that has Canien ill at ease even as she rides with her father's men to the land of Doriath. Something bad is about to happen, and the same something urges her to leave.

But she waits, thinking hard about what to do. When they make camp, she goes to Caranthir's tent, ostensibly to give a report. They've done a fair job at keeping the truth from everyone about who she belongs to.

She's tempted to throw it to the wind now, beg him to leave with her. But she knows he won't. Instead, she waits until they are alone with the tent flap down, giving them as much privacy as any camp can give. Then goes to her father and leans against him.

"It is time." There are many, many things she could say. This seems the safest. She trusts him to understand. But there is anger and pain touching her voice, along with frustration that she can't help now.

[grumpycatanthir]

Caranthir has grown darker and darker of mood, of late, the Oath stirring in his thoughts far too often. When his brothers returned from Nargothrond, and roused Maedhros into a towering fury, and Maglor into icy silence, Caranthir did not speak up, neither for, nor against. But more and more often, he has locked himself in his room to brood, and his tempers have become more uncertain.

He looks up with a scowl at the interruption, but softens when he sees who it is, shifting to make space for her beside him.

"........Probably." He growls.

[canien]

For all his temper and all his darkening moods, he has never mistreated her. Even when she takes such liberties as this! Angry and foul the storm cloud around him might be, it does her no direct harm.

"If I am wrong, I will see you again when this war is over." So she wraps her arms around her father. One last time.

[grumpycatanthir]

One last time, and Caranthir pulls her close, memorising the smell and feel of her.

"I do not think it will be wise for you to return." He admits. "Even if I make it out - you need to renounce us entirely, Canien."

[canien]

She curls into his arms, tucking herself close to do the same.

"I said after. Once it is all done."

[grumpycatanthir]

"I don't... know if there will be an after, Canien. Not one worth having." He admits slowly.

"The bad days ... are getting too close together."

[canien]

It hurts, and she hisses out a breath. He's right, and she hates it.

"...Then I will always remember how you have always been with me."

[grumpycatanthir]

"I wish we could have had more time, my jewel."

He sighs and kisses her forehead.

"Never wear the Star. I do not want you to draw undue attention. Stay safe."

[canien]

Her eyes close, but she refuses to cry even now.

Emotion might cloud her eyes when they reopen, but they remain dry. She leans up to kiss his cheek.

"I will hold to what I have told those who have asked my origins here. I will stay as safe as I can." But she will still help where and when she can.

"I ride at first light."

[grumpycatanthir]

"Don't look back." He holds her close.

"Be as safe as your mother and I taught you." He won't ask her to not help at all, for she would not be Haleth's daugther if she did not.

"Stay away from Doriath and the Sindar - but Cirdan is alright."

[canien]

"I won't," she promises, letting herself snuggle against her father.

He knows her too well, and knows it's useless to ask her not to fight. But she can be cautious, and careful. And she listens to his advice.

"I should learn to build boats and sail, that could be useful."

[grumpycatanthir]

One last time, he lets her chase away ths shadows, holds onto her tight.

"He's sensible. Knows a lot. Listen to his advice."

[canien]

She'd always chase them away if he let her. But this is his battle, his and his brothers. She can't fight it with them any longer.

But for tonight, she's content to let him hold on tight, just as she holds on just as tight.

And for Caranthir Feanorion to call someone sensible, that person was someone she wants to know.

"You have my word that I will seek him out and learn from him."

[grumpycatanthir]

It's a battle they were always going to lose - Caranthir could have told his family that the day they swore that Oath, but no one asked him, and so he said nothing, because he loved their father too.

"Good girl. .........I'll miss you. Be happy."

[canien]

Her father's still the brightest of his brothers in her opinion. Just...loves his family enough to let them lead, rather than speak up. Even if his perspective is better than theirs.

"I love you always. I will miss you too." Happy? Her lips quirk as she pulls back just enough to look at him. "I will be as happy as I can manage, though it may take some time."

[grumpycatanthir]

Now whose bias is showing?

"I love you too." He says it softly and cups her cheek fondly.

"Take as much time as you need, but do not dwell." He says firmly. "Your mother would never have approved of moping."

[canien]

She's just as allowed as he is!

Canien smiles at him, leaning into the hand. He so rarely says it, but she remembers each time clearly. Every moment is treasured.

She nods firmly, determined. "I will not disappoint either of you."

[grumpycatanthir]

"You never have, Canien. I know you never will. No one could have a better daughter."

[canien]

She might refuse to cry, but that brings a lump to her throat and she has to take a moment and just soak in her father's love and pride.

"You have been a good father. Despite all this."

[grumpycatanthir]

Neither of them are the sort for tears, but Caranthir presses a kiss to her brow and his eyes are suspiciously damp.

"I could have been better. I wish I could have been. But I love you. I am always proud of you."

[canien]

Damp doesn't mean actual crying, right?

She tries for a smile for him.

"Let me be the good you give. I hold your love, your pride, your knowledge and your teachings."

[grumpycatanthir]

Exactly

He traces her smile with gentle fingers.

"You are everything good and bright that I have left." He says honestly. "So you are right in saying you must go now. I am only sorry we did not have longer."

[canien]

The smile strengthens.

"I am sorry for that as well. But we both have our tasks before us. We can only go forward. Know you have my love no matter what happens."

[grumpycatanthir]

"We do." Caranthir tucks a strand of hair back and kisses her forehead again.

"Will you stay tonight, or go?"

[canien]

She curls against him again, taking advantage of him allowing it.

"If I stay tonight, I would wish to spend it with you." To steal just a few more hours with her father, even if they didn't spend it all in conversation. Just spending quiet time together.